Counselling / Psychotherapy

Counselling / Psychotherapy

Welcome

I am a fully accredited Integrative Counsellor / Psychotherapist with fifteen years’ experience in the public, voluntary and private sectors; including twelve years working at the Priory in Hove.

Being an Integrative Counsellor / Psychotherapist means that I work collaboratively with clients; utilising aspects of several different psychological approaches (person-Centred, Psychodynamic, Cognitive -behavioural, solution- focused and Creative Arts) to suit the varying needs of each individual.

I practice short or longer term individual counselling. Short term work often focuses on brief solution focused work, and/or CBT relating to identifying values, goal setting, problem solving, time management, stress management techniques and relaxation. However, in the initial session I will ascertain how each client would like to work, as the above methods aren’t suited to everyone.

Longer term work tends to focus on issues where unconscious processes linked to low self -worth may be causing barriers and sabotaging progress of any nature. This may also involve exploration of early relationships and/or past experiences that may be affecting the present situation.

I am interested in Spiritual development and I’m open to exploring and working with this, whatever this may mean to each individual.

I am a warm, empathic person who can offer you a safe, confidential space in which to explore your issues at your own pace.

I can work with a wide range of emotional difficulties and mental health issues, such as:

abuse

anger issues

anxiety disorders

depression Eating disorders

family dynamics

isolation

identity issues

loss and bereavement

low self-esteem

life changes and transitions

psychoses

relationship issues

sexuality

stress

substance misuse

trauma

I also have experience in working with individuals affected by ASC (Autistic Spectrum Disorder)

Experience and Qualifications

What we see depends on where we sit - Ram Dass

Experience and Qualifications

What we see depends on where we sit - Ram Dass

Qualifications

B.A Hons English Literature/Drama

Foundation Certificate in Counselling

Post-Graduate Diploma Counselling

Certificate in Analytic Group Psychotherapy

MBACP Accredited

UKRCP Registered

Following a background in the Arts, I became interested in psychology and human relations and completed a post-graduate diploma in Counselling. This focused primarily on the humanistic theories. (Person Centred, Gestalt and Transactional-Analysis)

After this I completed a year’s certificate in Analytic group Psychotherapy, which gave me more knowledge and insight into the Psychodynamic way of working, and highlighted how profoundly our early relationships and experiences can affect our present situation.

I worked for several years counselling in a project for offenders with poly drug-use, where I did a short course in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I then increased my knowledge and experience of this particular theoretical orientation whilst working at the Priory in Hove. During my employment at the Priory I have also run extensive groups, including the following:-

Cognitive Behavioural Theory and Practice

Explorative process work/general support

Managing depression/anxiety/stress

Building confidence and self-esteem

Assertiveness Training

Food and mood

Relaxation

‘Minds are like parachutes. They only function when they are open’.

— Thomas Dewar

‘We do not see things as they are, we see things as we are’.

— The Talmud

I also have experience in dream-work and am interested in how dreams can inform and direct us in our personal development.

I have worked at Sea-side View Child Development Centre at Brighton general hospital, counselling parents of children with learning disabilities and/or behavioural difficulties. In addition to this I have facilitatedself-care groups for parents whose children are affected by ASC. (Autistic Spectrum Condition) in association with Mascot. (ASC charity)

I have two years experience with people with Learning Disabilities in the role of a support worker; this included living in a Camphill Community, assisting residents with their everyday routines as well as helping them get involved in creative activities and performing arts.

In addition to the above, I have completed a course in Mindfulness Meditation which is a practice that can benefit the majority of people, and complement the therapeutic process, and am currently in the process of setting up some Personal development and psycho-spiritual workshops that are aimed to facilitate personal and spiritual growth.

I adhere to the BACP’s ethical guidelines, which includes participating in on-going seminars, workshops and courses to enhance my professional development.

CONTACT

CONTACT

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ADDRESS

My practice is based at Flat 1, 1 Wilbury Ave, Hove, BN3 6HR, which is directly behind Hove railway station, and very close to the major bus routes.